The Turrell Fund is proud to highlight another 2024 Landon Award winner: Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile!
What is the Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile?
The Franklin Grand Isle (FGI) Bookmobile is an independent mobile library based in Northwestern Vermont.
The bookmobile travels throughout the Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, bringing books and stories to children who may not have access to a traditional library.
FGI Bookmobile’s mission is to foster young readers’ skills, encouraging them to become lifelong learners and develop a love of books.
Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile’s Work
FGI Bookmobile’s Little Readers Program prepares children for kindergarten, as well as provides families with best practices for reading to their children.
The program serves children ages 0-6, giving them the building blocks to develop early literacy skills.
The FGI Bookmobile visits participants every three weeks for a story and short hands-on activity.
FGI Bookmobile also offers after-school programs for elementary schools, as well as a virtual book club for students in 6th grade and older. Each program highlights phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, print awareness, and reading fluency.
How Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile Promotes Early Literacy
Through the Little Readers Program, children learn how to read through listening and educational activities.
As the books are read aloud, children learn to recognize letters and sounds while building their vocabulary. After story time, children then engage in hands-on activities that reinforce the themes in the book.
The books are often social/emotional stories about friendship and empathy that teach children how to navigate the world in new situations.
Childcare providers, parents, and caregivers are also taught the importance of oral development when it comes to building knowledge in their children.
FGI Bookmobile has found that a lifelong love of reading can be established by intentionally reading books out loud, having conversations, and engaging in play.
The Turrell Fund congratulates Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile and supports its mission of cultivating early literacy skills for children. Thank you for all you do!
